[rudyfink]

I wouldn't be surprised if it takes 5 years (or more) to both get a patent and litigate it though any appeal. FWIW, in the current U.S. system, my understanding is the time it takes to get the patent comes out of the 20 years, though I think you can get some time back if it takes a very long time.

[AlbertCory]

Correct. There IS a "patent term adjustment" if the PTO takes longer than it should.

The term you want is "prosecute" not "litigate."